email: news@signlink.co.uk 7 INDUSTRY / NEWS Issue 247 - June / July 2023 Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 The first dedicated event from FESPA for vehicle wrapping, vinyl installation, and detailing has been praised by attendees and hailed a success by its organisers. WrapFest welcomed nearly 800 individual wrap professionals and played host to over 35 global brands from different parts of the industry, all showcasing their products and innovations. Solutions included graphics, colour-change, and paint protection films, window tints, digital printing, design software, cleaning products, and tools. Exhibitors such as HP, ADAPT, 3M, William Smith, Spandex, and pole position sponsor Hexis were all available for live demonstrations. Attending the event at Silverstone Race Circuit, it was clear to see it was unlike any other in the industry as the location invoked a more relaxed and informal setting. The venue meant two halls housed exhibitors, interactive zones, and speaker areas, while downstairs the vehicle pit garages played host to demonstrations and competitions such as the World Wrap Masters. The event also meant a variety of new products were launched including APA’s bespoke Silverstone Green vinyl wrap, created exclusively for WrapFest, as well as 3M and its Black 2080 Wrap film series high gloss, Star Vinyls’ Luxe Lightwrap range, and Innotech’s launch of General Formulations' DRIFT vinyl. Attending the event, Matthew Abel from Encore Customs, said: “I've never been to an event like WrapFest before. I had some really interesting discussions with experts and discovered many new suppliers such as APA and Grafityp with Omega Skinz, which I found really eye-opening, particularly as I have recently started my own business.” WrapFest hailed a success Founded in 1962, FESPA is a global federation of Associations for various sectors of the print industry Manufacturer and installer of bespoke and digital signage, Hardy Signs, has discussed the successful onboarding of its latest workshop operative, and a visit from local member of parliament Kate Kniveton. As the MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, Kniveton holds an annual job fair which was visited by Harry Rodger who went on to work for Hardy Signs as a result. After speaking to 23 different applicants, both experienced and junior, Hardy Signs decided Rodger was the best fit for the company, leading to his recruitment in October 2022. Kniveton later visited Hardy Signs to see the progress that Rodger had made since his appointment. “The jobs fair had a real buzz, and I know those that attended found it a worthwhile experience. Harry is a real success story of this event and goes to show what a valuable opportunity it can be,” Kniveton comments. Initially, Rodger was apprehensive about working for a well-known local company, especially as it was his first job. However, the workshop operative has since gained confidence having worked on several high-profile projects including wrapping 13 Mercedes Sprinter Minibuses for West Midlands Bus on Demand. Rodger says: “Living in Burton, I’ve always been aware of the company, as you see the name everywhere, but I didn’t imagine I’d ever be working full-time for such a well-known and respected place. I would wholly recommend to others in future that they attend the jobs fair to see what job opportunities might be open to them”. Hardy Signs is an award-winning manufacturer which supplies a wide range of business sectors Young recruit celebrated at Hardy Signs Greater Anglia has recently unveiled new retro-style signage at its Brundall Gardens train station in Norfolk. The station has been cared for by adopter and nearby resident Greg Chandler for almost 20 years. Due to significant investment from Greater Anglia in recent months, the station has received new signage which offers a fresh new look with a “nod to the past”. The signage has been constructed by Chandler and his son who collaborated on the frames and mahogany architrave needed for the boards. The installation was then completed with the assistance of project delivery site manager for Greater Anglia, Phil Hogg. Retro sign installed at Norfolk railway station [L to R] Gillian Lincoln, Martin Halliday, Greg Chandler, and Phil Hogg The Sign Awards expands its reach for 2024 event The Sign Awards 2023 took place in March in Birmingham's Town Hall After the success of The Sign Awards 2023, organisers have revealed the newly titled Sign & Wrap Awards will take place in 2024. The Sign Awards was the first dedicated awards ceremony for UK signage in four years and saw over 100 submissions across 11 categories. The newly rebranded Sign & Wrap Awards will introduce five new categories which will cover printed vehicle wraps for both traditional and unique vehicles as well as fleet work, full colour changes, and architectural film projects. The event will return to Birmingham in 2024 with a date to be announced later in the year. By David Osgar By David Osgar
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